Craving a delicious, satisfying salad that's bursting with flavor and texture? Look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Maggiano's Chopped Salad, a culinary masterpiece known for its vibrant mix of ingredients and perfectly balanced dressing. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests with this easy-to-make, restaurant-quality salad. It’s the perfect healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe yields a generous serving for 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Salad:
- 5 oz. salami, thinly sliced and chopped
- 5 oz. pepperoni, thinly sliced and chopped
- 5 oz. provolone cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (optional, adds a fantastic tang)
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For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Salad Perfection
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping all the vegetables. Thinly slice and chop the salami and pepperoni. Cube the provolone cheese. Prepare all the other ingredients according to the ingredient list above. This step is key to achieving a beautifully uniform salad.
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Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the chopped romaine lettuce, salami, pepperoni, provolone, grape tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and gorgonzola cheese (if using). Be gentle to avoid bruising the lettuce.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This is your opportunity to customize the dressing to your preferences.
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Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad tastes great both ways!
Cooking Tips and Variations: Elevate Your Salad Game
- Meat Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, replace the salami and pepperoni with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Parmesan, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar could be delicious additions.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately ahead of time and assemble just before serving. This is perfect for entertaining.
- Add Crunch: Toasted croutons or sunflower seeds would add a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Maggiano's Chopped Salad recipe is a simple yet impressive dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a testament to how easy it is to create restaurant-quality food recipes in the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!